The farm tour provides our guests with a profound immersion in Kerala's farm practices and methods, and healthy co existence of nature and all its living forms. Farming in the real sense is the integration of traditional knowledge and modern technology to achieve sustainable development in all areas. You will have all the pluses of a pure Kerala life, with the peace and tranquility that go with it. Organic Farm fresh produce and Organic food are some of the most important part of some of your Farm stay experience - Nothing reveals the variety in culture better than the diversity of its sensational food. The message is pure and simple… eating in season, using quality ingredients, and treating them simply. Your day-to-day activity in the Farm Stay will include guided trips to the farm or plantations. Take some cooking tips from your host and learn some good cuisine, participate and share in their day-to-day work in the farm. Meet with the local community, local festivals, and cultural show. Spend time with people who are dedicated to preserving their traditional trades. From day until night, through crowded towns, paddy fields and paths, discovery and learning is the hub of this trip. But don’t forget to practice some language skills that provide a priceless chance to communicate across cultures and make long lasting friendships.


Meet your hosts, warm and personable people with wonderful energy, and their innate ability to make you feel at home.
 

The Timeless Traveller on a Farm tour in Central Kerala

Day 1, You would be met on arrival at the Airport/Railway Station and transferred to a homestay near Kochi. A quiet retreat close to Kochi. You have all the free time to explore the surroundings. You could also start the day with some hiking into the countryside.

Day 2, Drive to Ernakulam. Start your day with a city sightseeing tour, which has a history of Portuguese and Dutch architecture and style. You will visit the Jewish synagogue, and the Dutch Palace, with some excellent murals and then we go on a walking tour of Fort Cochin and browse some of the antique shop through the narrow lanes and chaotic traffic in Ernakulam.

Day 3, We hit Alleppey where our accommodation is arranged in a homestay by the backwater, a charming and peaceful home sympathetically restored and comfortably refurbished. The host enlightens us about life in the backwaters. Some great activities canoeing, fishing, and even some self-cooking with help from the host. We'll spend time with people who are dedicated to preserving their traditional trades and participate in some local celebrations.

Day 4, We will board the houseboat today. Cruise along the Kuttanad, Today you will board the 70-foot houseboat; Your houseboat will sometimes moor to the canal side you can explore the village and learn few things about life in the backwaters. Stop at a farmers place to have the sweet local toddy. Your boat might anchor again in some other village and your local guide would escort you to some temples or churches in this village.

Day 5- 6, From the pleasant environ of the backwaters we move uphill to the lap of Western Ghats. This place is a dramatic contrast to the backwater lifestyle. The owner/farmer here has converted his farm to organic some 15 years ago and this huge acre farm is a delight to any farm lover. Here the farmer has adopted the integrated farming techniques. A perfect retreat for country lovers. Farm is surrounded by 50 acres of farmland with spices, rubber and various other crops like Vanilla, and stunning views of the small valleys from a high spot. The 2- nights give you insight into the life in a farmhouse as you share a part of the daily life with the host.

Day 7-8, Breakfast Morning: we head north through forest and plantations to another planter and farmer. We reach the doors of the farmhouse where we are warmly greeted by the host here. Get to know his farming methods and sustainable farming. Walk into the backyard. Enjoy an informal, family-style lunch. The rest of the evening is free to move around follow on your own farm trails or try some of the unusual and wonderful flavors to be experienced here.
Go on to a local open-air market to purchase fresh products. A trek path will lead you to the top of the mountain. At home to talk and make notes on organic farming practices,

Day 9-10, To Thekaddy where we have the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. Check in to a Jungle lodge. You have free time to explore the surrounding. Our trip finds us on a boat ride over Lake Periyar, the best chance to see wild animals.

Day 11 After breakfast check out from the sanctuary and transfer to Ernakulam. You can do some last minute shopping.
 

Note: This sample tour can be fine tuned according to your preferences, time, and budget. We can also add an additional day or two in a farmhouse if you would be interested to know more about farm practices or some more days spending your time peacefully in a remote location or cottage of a farmhouse. Contact Us to customize the Farm tours.

The Farmhouse Gourmet holiday

Day 1,Arrival at Kochi airport or Ernakulam train station. Transfer to the farmhouse by vehicle. Check-in and free time to explore the surroundings. Prepare yourself for a good lunch featuring the local ingredients and herbs and know more about it from the host.

Day 2,After Breakfast leave for a guided tour of the organic farm. The owner/farmer here has converted his farm to organic some 15 years ago and this 30acre farm is a delight to any farm lover. We get to see cultivation of Pepper, Coconut, Areca nut, Vanilla, and Rubber.

Back to the farmhouse as the family speaks about the life in this small town over a lunch. Later on you will get to know about what are the culinary delights in this part of the country, the utensils used for cooking including the ingredients and spices used in local cuisine you probably could get ready for an evening cooking class and demonstration with the help of host followed by dinner. You will stay either at the farmhouse or a clubhouse nearby to the town.

Day 3, Our morning starts with market day in the precious hill town to purchase the ingredients and vegetable products we need to prepare our lunch. After the market we will return for hands-on cooking class with this expert Keralan cook. Our host will help us make some delicious Kerala cuisine followed by lunch of your own creation. A free day to relax,go around the farm and help the host in his day’s work activity.

Day 4, Looking around the host farm you visit the barn which is called a Thozhuthu in local parlance. On a hot cup of morning tea, the host would explain what she would prepare for the breakfast today. She will explain to you the spices and ingredients used in a Kerala food. Participate in this morning session as you observe some unique utensils being used in breakfast preparation. Later you can also join the host in their daily work in the farm. Observe how the host makes pickle vegetables. Return to the farmhouse for a second cooking adventure class followed by lunch, served "al fresco" or in the main dining room.

Day 5,Breakfast Morning: Talk to the host about composting and recycling process, compare notes on the facilities and integration of resources involved in organic farming. Bring back some fresh catch from the lake where the fishes and prawns are raised with organic feed. Bring back home the catch to prepare a delicious native cuisine with fresh fish and of course with some assistance from host. Late in the evening take notes as the host lists out again the ingredients and flavors required to prepare the cuisine and don’t forget to ask the host any question you may have about various preparation done for this cooking session.

Day 6, After Breakfast, buy some organic spices and flavors as you checkout. You head for an enchanting homestay in the heart of Kuttanad in the backwaters. See some historical places. Your village walk will create the flavor for your stay at the homestay and provide you with a richer understanding of the surrounding environment and culture.

Day 7,Breakfast at the backwater home and transfer to train station.

Note:
The gourmet trail can be fine-tuned according to your preferences, time, and interest in learning cuisine. If you intend to learn or pickup notes on a few more cuisine, we could add some more days into the gourmet trail for you with either a farmhouse or homestay.

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